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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – A pilot stationed at Scott Air Force Base was among four crewmembers killed when their aircraft crashed in the Zabul province in southern Afghanistan on Saturday.

Capt. Brandon Cyr, a 28-year-old instructor pilot, was a member of the 906th Air Refueling Squadron within the 375th Air Mobility Wing. Scott Air Force Base officials said he also flew alongside the Illinois Air National Guard’s 126th air refueling wing.

Col. David Almand said at the time of his death, Cyr had earned more than 1,700 flying hours, 900 of those in combat.

“He was an outstanding pilot and a dedicated Airman. Our hearts are heavy, and we’re doing all that we can to provide support and comfort to members of his family during this difficult time,” Almand added. “Our hearts also go out to families of the other Airmen who lost their lives as well.”

The other Airmen killed were all from Beale AFB, Calif.. They were identified as Capt. Reid Nishizuka, and Staff Sgts. Richard Dickson and Daniel Fannin.

Officials said all four were on board a MC-12 surveillance aircraft when it crashed about 110 miles northeast of Kandahar Airfield. The Pentagon said early reports suggested no enemy activity was detected in the area at the time of the crash. Coalition forces recovered the remains of the four victims.

Information on Cyr’s funeral arrangements will be released later this week.